Is there any financial assistance for army reservist?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 11:30:22 -0500

I found myself with a sudden financial crisis and I’m now in need of immediate assistance. I tried calling AER and they gave me an office for a USCG mutual assistance in Houston-Galveston. But whenever i call their office, it just rings and are directed to a voicemail.

Is there a lending company or organization that anyone here knows i could get help from?

It doesn’t have to be a grant. It could be a loan that will help me and i could pay for it over time. I guess you could say that I don’t know anything about loans even outside military financial assistance.

Any helpful information regarding this is much appreciated.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2021 11:53 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 11:53:51 -0500

If you have Navy Federal you can apply for a Personal Expense Loan

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2021 11:54 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 11:54:54 -0500

Sorry to hear you're having a rough time brother.
The crappy thing about how we operate is that everyone wants to be on the distant end of a phone or email address. Its time to make your problem personal.

If I were in your shoes, first thing is give your first line a chance to help you (your TL, SL, PSG). Next up is your 1SG/CO. If the reason you need the loan is really private, I understand your reluctance to share your issue (but what are friends for.) No matter what happens, I'm pretty sure your command is GOING to learn about the AER loan and will need to sign off on it, so its best to just get them involved anyway.

Your other option is to go to the nearest Army Post (Fort whatever) and find the AER Office (usually in the Soldier Support center/In-processing area of a base). Bring whatever you have to validate your need for the loan, probably an ERB/SRB and a current LES (to make their lives a bit easier).

It looks like you're at Houston or nearby, so you've got Fort Sam Houston, and Fort Hood (mildly nearby).
Fort Hoods ACS # (AER Office) is + [login to see]
Joint Base San Antonio # (AER Office) is 1+ [login to see]
Both require:
-Military ID Card
-Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
-Leave/PCS Orders (To verify where you belong)
-Substantiating Documents (e.g. Car repair estimate, rental agreement, utility bill)

Things that are generally covered by ACS/AER loans are:
-Rent, Utilities, Telephone
-Foreclosure
-Vehicle Repair
-Vehicle Insurance or Deductible
-Vehicle Payment or Repossession
-Assistance for Survivors
-Assistance for Retirees
-Commander's Referral Program

Best of luck brother! I hope everything works out in your favor.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2021 11:56 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 11:56:23 -0500

https://www.operationwearehere.com/FinancialAssistance.html

Military Financial Assistance

Financial assistance resources for the military community. Here is a listing of organizations that can help.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2021 1:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 13:00:17 -0500

When you are not active you do not qualify for an AER Loan. It is meant for active duty only. The Army doesn't have a program for financial assistance for reservists. You can still do financial counseling though. You would have to look to outside resources.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2021 2:35 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 14:35:25 -0500

If USCG doesn't answer, try another office or go through Red Cross. Check out their website (also has application form) https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/offices/

Request Assistance - Army Emergency Relief

Find your nearest AER Section or Military Aid Office